Boy Scouts earn a merit badge

The Boy Scouts of America have taken a major step forward. The group voted this week to end its policy banning gay kids and teens from joining the organization. More than 60% of the Scouting National Council voted in favor of lifting the ban, with 757 yes votes to 475 no votes. 168 delegates did not vote because they were not present at the meeting.

There was no vote taken on the ban on gay leaders, so that ban remains in place. For now. The Boy Scouts are moving forward in measured baby steps and that’s just fine.